Recent rain has brought additional steelhead into the West County tribs. The question is did we get any big numbers. Walnut and Elk Creeks were high, muddy, and flowing hard earlier this week with water levels high enough to allow significant movement. Water levels remained high long enough to most likely allow fish to make their way a considerable ways up stream. Whatever numbers did come in, it is a safe bet that they are pretty well spread out. The Manchester hole and Project waters are holding fish in moderate numbers and a number of anglers did very well this past weekend with very little angling pressure. The Trout Run and Godfrey Run shorelines have been moderately productive when the wind and waves cooperate. This early part of the season is prime time to target the large lake browns both in the tribs and along the lakeshore.

Fall brings a significant change in weather patterns to the Erie area with fast moving fronts and significant changes in day and night temperatures. Wind and waves can be significant in a moments notice. Boaters trolling the open waters as well as the shoreline should use extreme caution this time of the year and be aware of changing conditions. Keeping an eye to the west for incoming fronts and monitoring the marine band weather channels should be standard boating procedure this time of year.

Walleye and Perch fishing is still fair good. Perch are still schooled North of Walnut Creek in 52 to 60 feet of water. Walleye and Lake steelhead are being caught in deeper water on the south side of the first and second trenches.

Support Your Local Sportsmen’s Clubs:

This speaker for this months PA Steelhead Association Meeting will be Millcreek Township Supervisor, Brian McGrath. Mr. McGrath will discuss the land acquisition along Walnut Creek by the Township along with ideas and plans for this valuable angler access. Mr. McGrath will also be discussing the sensitive sewage overflow problem occurring on Walnut Creek. He will be discussing what has occurred, how it is currently being addressed and what is being considered to solve the problem for the long term. This months PA Steelhead Association meeting will be held Wednesday October 12th. Meetings are now held at the banquet room at the West Lake Bar and Grill at 4102 West Lake Road (Alternate Route 5) in Erie starting at 7:00 PM. The public is welcome. Don’t miss this important and informative meeting.

Walnut Creek Channel Dredging:

Dredging of the Walnut Creek Channel has gone a little slower than expected with completion expected by Thursday if weather conditions are favorable. If in doubt call the Walnut Creek Access Office at 814-833-2464. Wind and waves hindered the operation along with a considerable amount of build up that had to be removed. There are a number of large rocks that are expected to be excavated

Boating Safety Tip:

Always attach the trailer safety chain to the Bow eye and never depend on the winch cable alone to hold the boat on the trailer.

Another Reminder Regarding Staying Overnight At the Walnut Creek Access:

The fall steelhead season is now upon us in Erie County and anglers should be aware that camping on Fish and Boat Commission property is unlawful. Access areas include -- Walnut Creek Access Area, Elk Creek Access Area, Sterittania Access Area, Fairview Gravel Pits, North East Access Area and Eaton Reservoir

Section 741 (a) Regulation 53.2 (a)It is unlawful for a person to camp overnight on or in Commission-owned or controlled property or waters, to erect a tent or other device used for, or capable of being used for cooking or sleeping, or to build or maintain open fires on such property.

You are in violation of this section if you are sleeping in a vehicle, camper or motor home on PA Fish and Boat Commission property.

Please make other accommodations for overnight stays while fishing or boating. Any questions can be directed to the Erie WCO’s or to the PA Fish and Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement, Northwest Region Office at (814) 337-0444.

A list of local campgrounds and facilities will is being compiled published in the next few weeks